Global Compact Marks International Anti-Corruption Day

(New York, 9 December 2008) – Celebrating the International Anti-Corruption
Day, the UN Global Compact reminds participating companies around the world of their
commitment to the advancement and implementation of the tenth Global Compact principle which states
that “businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery”.
Today marking the opening of United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
for signature, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and entered into force
in December 2005.

"Corruption has no conscience. By placing a price on a child’s education, a
doctor’s time or a judge’s verdict, corruption steals futures, takes lives and fuels impunity”,
said Global Compact Board Member Huguette Labelle, Chair of
Transparency International. “ Fundamental
economic and social rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are neither
a commodity nor a privilege, but a necessity for human beings to live in dignity. By embracing the
UN Global Compact’s tenth principle, to work against corruption in all its forms, business can help
ensure the Declaration becomes a reality for everyone".

“The causes for and consequences of corruption and human rights abuses are
closely linked”, said Graham Baxter, Director Responsible Business Solutions,
International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF). “Very
often both occur when governance systems are weak and accountability is not guaranteed. The human
consequence caused by diversion of money from basic services such as health, infrastructure and
education is enormous often leading to civil unrest caused by unequal distribution of resources –
all of which is bad for business. Business together with governments and all responsible
stakeholders can and should play a part in countering corruption and respecting human rights which
will help to strengthen governance systems and lead to more accountability and transparency when
doing business”.